It happens every year over the holidays. Either my family assembles for a fun, festive scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting––or someone (let’s be honest, it’s usually me) gets uppity, acts impatient, or behaves in a way that can only be described as “outrageous.” If it’s the former, I simply can’t wait to see my kinfolk again. If it’s the latter, I feel obliged to see them so that I can make amends. In any case, a reunion is in order.
Once upon a time, staging one was relatively straightforward. Everyone tended to live close together. So all you needed to guarantee a good time was a big backyard, lots of cold cuts, and an impartial referee for the three-legged races. Well, that was then. This is now … We still do long to re-connect. In fact, surveys show that spending quality time with relatives ranks high on people’s to-do list. The trouble is that no one has the energy to organize a big event, let alone host the inevitable bunch of out-of-towners. Luckily, “Destination Reunions” which combine a get-away with a get-together come to the rescue, allowing the gang to reassemble without over-burdening anyone.
Of Mice and Men
Not surprisingly, Walt Disney World is at the forefront of this travel trend. Anyone who has visited the Orlando resort—or watched those ubiquitous TV ads—knows that it has a broad appeal. After all, it’s not only kids who like to get goofy. Along with theme parks that top every child’s vacation wish list, Walt Disney World boasts championship golf courses, seductive spas, first-class entertainment, even fine restaurants that consistently rank among North America’s best. And enjoying them en masse is a breeze, thanks to Magical Gatherings: a program designed specifically for groups staying at resort hotels.
Although Magical Gatherings promoters put a lot of emphasis on pixie dust, it’s really good old fashioned practicality that makes this program tick. That’s because Disney is a known entity, which makes consensus building considerably easier. (Stop cringing control freaks: you know consensus is important!) Of course, newfangled online tools help too, letting guests take assorted virtual tours and finally prepare a tailor-made itinerary that meets with everyone’s approval.
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